@WhereinDublinDublin has a reputation for being an expensive city. From trendy brunch spots to upscale restaurants, the costs can quickly add up. But if there’s one thing Dubliners know, it’s how to eat well without draining the wallet. Based on my overall experience exploring Dublin’s food scene, there’s a surprising number of spots where locals grab hearty, delicious meals at a fraction of the price you’d expect. Whether it’s a quick bite, a casual dinner, or a hidden gem tucked away in a back street, there are plenty of ways to enjoy Dublin on a budget.
In this guide, we’re dig deep into the best cheap eats in Dublin. You’ll find everything from traditional Irish dishes to international cuisine, street food, and cozy cafés. By the end, you’ll know exactly where locals eat cheap and still get a satisfying, tasty experience.
Let’s Understand Cheap Eats in Dublin
Before we get into specific places, it’s worth understanding what “cheap” really means in Dublin. A budget meal here isn’t necessarily a fast-food combo. It’s often a fresh, filling, and flavorful dish for around €8-€15. That might sound high compared to other cities, but for Dublin standards, it’s affordable.
Locals often look for three things when choosing cheap eats:
Value for money: Generous portions at reasonable prices.
Quality: Food that doesn’t compromise on taste.
Atmosphere: Relaxed, friendly spots where you can enjoy your meal.
The best budget-friendly spots often fly under the radar, so here’s a detailed breakdown to help navigate Dublin’s affordable dining scene.
Classic Irish Cheap Eats
1. Traditional Pubs with Hearty Meals
Irish pubs aren’t just for drinks—they’re often where locals go for affordable meals. Many pubs offer daily specials or “meal deals” that include classic dishes like fish and chips, shepherd’s pie, or Irish stew.
Some favorites among locals:
The Woollen Mills: Located near the Ha’penny Bridge, this pub serves classic Irish comfort food at reasonable prices. Their daily specials often feature hearty meals under €12.
The Stag’s Head: A historic pub in the city center where you can enjoy traditional Irish stew or a full breakfast for under €10.
Pubs often have lunch deals too, so hitting one during midday can be a great way to enjoy Irish classics without breaking the bank.
2. Full Irish Breakfast
Nothing says Dublin like a Full Irish Breakfast. Many small cafés and local breakfast spots offer these plates for around €8-€10. From my own personal experience, these breakfasts are filling enough to last all day, making them excellent value for money.
Top budget breakfast spots:
Bewley’s Café on Grafton Street: Famous for its coffee and breakfast plates.
Brother Hubbard: Cozy café offering hearty breakfast options without premium pricing.
Ethnic Food for Cheap
Dublin has a growing multicultural food scene, and many international eateries offer affordable meals that locals swear by.
1. Asian Cuisine
Asian takeaways are a favorite for budget-conscious locals. Chinese, Thai, and Japanese spots often provide filling meals for under €10.
Wing Sing Noodle Bar: Cheap and tasty Chinese dishes with generous portions.
Siam Thai: Affordable Thai street food-inspired dishes perfect for lunch.
Yo Sushi!: If sushi cravings hit, their lunch deals are surprisingly reasonable.
Street food markets are another option. The Temple Bar Food Market and George’s Street Arcade often have small vendors offering dishes from €5-€8.
2. Middle Eastern and Mediterranean
Dublin’s Middle Eastern scene has grown in recent years, providing delicious wraps, falafel, and mezze at local prices.
Falafel & Shawarma spots in Smithfield: Perfect for a quick, filling lunch under €10.
El Gato Negro Tapas Bar: Small portions at reasonable prices, great for trying multiple dishes without overspending.
Hidden Gems for Locals
Sometimes the best cheap eats are places tourists often miss. Dublin locals know where to go for quality food without the fancy price tag.
1. Student-Friendly Spots
Areas near universities, like Trinity College or Dublin City University, have cafés and canteens offering student-friendly meals. Prices here are extremely reasonable, and portions are generous.
The Cake Café at DCU: Sandwiches, soups, and snacks all under €8.
Brother Hubbard South: Near Trinity College, offering sandwiches, salads, and mains around €9-€12.
2. Markets and Pop-Ups
Local markets are a goldmine for cheap eats. You get fresh, homemade, and diverse food at low prices.
The Dublin Food Co-op Market: Affordable, fresh, and homemade options.
The George’s Street Arcade: Vendors sell everything from gourmet sandwiches to international street food.
Markets often allow you to sample different cuisines, making it a fun, budget-friendly experience.
Budget-Friendly Lunch Spots
If you’re in Dublin for work or sightseeing, lunch can be a real drain on your wallet if not careful. These local favorites offer tasty meals at great prices.
1. Sandwich Shops and Delis
Local sandwich shops are quick, cheap, and surprisingly good. Many use fresh ingredients and offer combos that include a drink and side.
Eddie Rocket’s Deli: Known for classic sandwiches and simple lunch combos.
Cornucopia: Vegetarian-friendly, generous portions, under €10 for mains.
2. Takeaway Cafés
Takeaway cafés are everywhere in Dublin, and locals often grab a meal on the go. A fresh salad or a warm wrap can cost as little as €6-€8.
Insomnia Coffee Company: Affordable sandwiches and wraps.
Butler’s Pantry: Daily specials and grab-and-go options.
Late-Night Cheap Eats
Dublin has a vibrant nightlife, and sometimes locals want food after a night out without emptying their wallets.
Boojum Burritos: Mexican-inspired fast food, filling burritos under €10.
Leo Burdock: Famous for fish and chips; late-night takeaway is cheap and delicious.
Apache Pizza: Affordable pizza slices available 24/7 in multiple locations.
From my own personal experience, grabbing a burrito or a slice after an evening out often feels like the best meal of the night.
Cheap Coffee and Snacks
Coffee in Dublin can be pricey, but local spots offer ways to grab a decent cup without spending a fortune.
1. Coffee Shops
Kaph: Specialty coffee at fair prices; locals often stop by for their morning caffeine fix.
3fe Coffee: Small café with great coffee, often under €4 for a standard cup.
2. Sweet Treats
If you need something sweet on a budget:
Murphy’s Ice Cream: Single scoops are affordable and delicious.
Queen of Tarts: Pastries for under €5; perfect with a cup of tea or coffee.
Tips for Eating Cheap Like a Local
Here are some tips to maximize meals while staying under budget in Dublin:
Check daily specials: Many pubs and cafés have daily deals that are cheaper than menu items.
Go to markets: Markets often provide fresh, homemade meals for less.
Avoid tourist traps: Restaurants in Temple Bar are often overpriced; locals go elsewhere.
Use loyalty apps: Some cafés have loyalty cards offering discounts on meals and drinks.
Share plates: Tapas and shared meals are often cheaper per person.
Areas Where Locals Eat Cheap
Some neighborhoods have more budget-friendly options than others:
Smithfield: Vibrant area with affordable pubs and ethnic restaurants.
Dublin 8: Hidden cafés, small restaurants, and street food vendors.
Phibsborough: Known for local delis and cafés with cheap, filling meals.
Northside near O’Connell Street: Plenty of takeaway shops and affordable lunch spots.
Final Thoughts
Eating cheap in Dublin doesn’t mean sacrificing taste or experience. From hearty pub meals to fresh street food, local cafés, and hidden gems, there’s a spot for every craving and budget. From my own personal experience, the key is exploring beyond the main tourist streets and trying the spots locals swear by.
If you plan your meals wisely, check daily specials, and explore local markets, Dublin can be surprisingly affordable. And the best part? Eating like a local often leads to discovering places that aren’t listed in guidebooks but offer some of the best food experiences in the city.
So next time in Dublin, skip the overpriced tourist traps, follow the locals, and enjoy a meal that’s both delicious and budget-friendly.
